- What do religion and philosophy have in common?
I think that both religion and philosophy let people to believe something strongly and motivated them to live in a certain way that they believe it's right. Also, people with religion and people who believe in certain philosophy strong belief in both of them. Both of them tells how to live one's life and lead in a certain what he or she believes in. Also most of the religions are based on the concept of "god". This applies to philosophy because some of the philosophies that people are familiar to is based on "god" and that is the basic concept of it.
- Why is religion and philosophy is important?
religion and philosophy is important because those determines the way of people's lives and their habits. Also motivate us to think deeply and controls the daily routine of the life. Religion and philosophy provide a moment to think what is important and those remind people to value their beliefs.
Haven't I Seen You Before?
1. How is the experience of karma/samsara different from that of Christianity (in your opinion)? The same?
Karma/samsara is similar to Christianity because there is some kind of relation between both of them that have to do with the after life and how well one performed during his or her life. Karma and samara's basic concept is that one will reborn with good life if he or she did something good during the life on earth. Also Christianity has similar idea which is one going to heaven after their life but only for the ones who done good things before one died. However, there are some differences between them. The belief of karma and samsara is that one will directly reincarnate as animals afterlife. On the other hand, Christianity does not believe that one will reincarnate but will go to heaven where there are no pain and suffer.
2. Speculate on what sort of being the prince might become in his subsequent life?
I think that the prince could become an ant in his subsequent life because he was never exposed to a working class. So as a lesson in the afterlife for the prince, he might become an animal that works hard. Because he already experienced the loyalty and didn't really done his job productively, it is possible to become something that is not loyal but more like an ant.
3. Which of the three animals in the story is closest to Enlightenment in your opinion? Why?
I thought that parrot is the closest to Enlightenment in my opinion. It didn't really show the desire and attachments when other animals were full of desires. Also he rejected to eat the rice that was offered for him to eat which can be interpreted as not having the desire.
4. It is said that Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) had 550 lives - some in animal form, some in human form - which of the characters in the story do you think is from one of his previous lives? Why?
the Holy man in the story is the form of Buddha's previous lives because both of their characters are very related in a way of sharing. Buddha is known as the enlightened one in the religion of Buddhism and the character of the Holy man in the story represents Buddha's characteristics the most out of all the characters that were presented.
Tradition and Religion
1. I think the religion is something whatever one believes in. So there isn't specific aspects and requirements that the religion should have. Religion is something that one strongly believes that is right to follow as you live. To be a religious person, one should have the strong belief in their religion. Also one who keeps the religion and follows the right order of the religion can be a religious person. Because Confucius had strongly believed that respecting one another is the most important aspects in people's lives and kept the idea into his mind through out his life, he can be consider as a religious person.
2. Confucius's statement says that he doesn't really connect man and heaven together. He doubts the existence of heaven and god but he concentrated on the life that presents now. Rather than thinking about the heaven in the Christianity term, he has his own term of heaven. Confucius thinks that the heaven is the present time for him and his life. So he's main consideration is living the life perfectly that was given. The heaven for Christianity and Confucius teaching is very different because what Christianity teaches about the heaven is the after life of a man; however, Confucius teaches that heaven is what is given in the present on Earth.
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The Vinegar Tasters is a painting that is significant because it represents the "Three Teachings" of China. The three significant figures who represent Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are Confucius, Buddha, and Lao-tse. The painting shows the way each belief sees life, which is represented by the vinegar, and this is shown by the different types of faces that are made by the three men.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
According to Hoff, the theme of life according to Taoism is the happiness that occurs when one lives in harmony with the world. Instead of trying to move away from the "world of dust," one should try to join it by appreciating, learning from, and working with what happens. Hoff said that Taoism believes that this directly leads to happiness.
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
Hoff explains the idea of the uncarved block by first explaining to the readers that the uncarved blocked represents the original simplicity that things naturally have, and how the things that aren't messed around with contain natural energy. For example, Taoism would see the original, pure form of a boulder as having more natural energy than the boulder changed into a slate to carve words onto.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (12)
The secret message of the uncarved block is that being simpleminded is the key to living life and getting past its problems. Hoff says that being simpleminded isn't the same as being stupid, and it is actually being calm and having a mirror like mind. He even adds on that it is significant that the simpleminded Pooh is the main character of Winnie the Pooh, because it reflects the idea that Pooh is able to accomplish the things that he does because of his simplemindedness.
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
The main conflict was that scholars in China were generally Confucianist, and saw things from a different point of view from the Taoists. Lao-tse once said a quote that meant that education could prevent one from seeing all things and being wise, and that being smarter could in a way hinder one's wisdom.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Owl represents a Confucianist and Pooh represents a Taoist.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
- Hoff does not have a positive opinion about Confucianist scholars, and he shows this by the way he describes them. First, he describes Owl as a "dried-up Western descendent of the Confucianist Dedicated Scholar, who unlike his Noble but rather Unimaginative ancestor..." Hoff gives a small preview of how he thinks about Confucianist scholars by first calling them unimaginative, and talks more about it when Pooh is confused. The opinion is expanded on, and Hoff says that the Confucianist Scholars kept what he learned to himself and wrote pompous papers that no one would understand instead of working for the enlightenment of the people who read it.
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
- Hoff says that knowledge and experience are two completely different things, but knowledge that comes from experience is better than just plain knowledge.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
Most scholars blame the "uncarved block" for problems in the world. This isn't justified because the scholars refuse to admit that it is their fault and blame it on the "uncarved block" instead. This is a quality of many people. They try to correct their misconceptions with reasonable justifications, but they do not allow themselves to fully agree to it.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
The difference between "cleverness" and "Inner Nature" is that "cleverness" can be measured, has limitations, and people can understand it, but "Inner nature" cannot be measured nor be clearly understood by people.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
It isn't important to discern your own Inner Nature because you can figure out where and where not you belong. In knowing this, you can easily tell whether things are right or wrong for you.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Hoff's interpretation of the Chinese quote above is the idea that people who acknowledge their problems, admit to their misconceptions, and try to fix them will live longer. However, Hoff believes that people who ignore and neglect their problems, reject the existence of them, and those who fail to correct themselves will die sooner because they failed in looking after themselves. This interpretation is similar to the idea that people who know their limitations will live long and be healthy, whereas those who do not recognize their problems will not.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
By stating that we must learn to "work with Things As They Are", Hoff means that people should recognize the quality of things when they are in their natural form rather than trying to adjust them. Hoff is basically saying that we should appreciate and work with "things that are there" instead of trying to get "things to work with us". Overall, he is saying that it is wiser to recognize things as what they are in the present instead of constantly trying to look for answers to unnecessary questions.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
People who do not listen to their Inner Nature have trouble understanding themselves, are easily influenced by others, and instead of recognizing their own individual identity, they are influenced by other people.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The Way of Self-Reliance is the process of discovering who we are, what we need to do, and what things are right for us. The most important thing is to understand our individual selves and search for things that match us, instead of looking to others.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism by transforming the things we dislike into favorable, beneficial things or use them in a efficient manner/way. In changing the bad to good, many positive items would be created and help us lessen the struggle we have in getting rid of negative ones.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It is the most characteristic element of Taoism-in-action. Wu Wei basically means “without doing, causing, or making” or no going against the nature of things. However, in practical way, it means without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote basically means that Tao doesn’t force or interfere with things, but allows them to do their work in their own way, to produce results naturally. Then whatever that is necessary is done. The quote explains that Tao doesn’t do or put any effort on anything but he gets things done naturally with good results.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi Ch’uan is the basic idea of which is to wear the opponent out either by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away, in order to weaken his power, balance, and position-for-defense. Never is force opposed with force; instead, it is overcome with yielding. What it means to be overcame with yielding is that results will produce naturally without any force from something just like the idea of We Wei or Taoism.
20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
Just like Bisy Backson is active with his exercises all the time, I also do physical activities, because I play various sports which are good exercises. However, sometimes I see those exercises as works, because it requires physical body movement and work that your body have to do.
21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
Bisy Backson thinks that he has to fight and overcome things to progress. The correct definition of progress involves developing and growing which also involves changing inside, but that’s not something the Bisy Backson will do. Bisy Backson believes that he has to change everything and interfering with useless things to make a progress.
22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
Bisy Backson doesn’t spend his time wisely and usefully, because he thinks doing much work beforehand will save him time, but realistically it doesn’t.
23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
Youthful Immortal is one of the most intriguing things about Taoism.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
The way of doing things right and going through beneficial process makes us happy, wise and have enjoyment. However, doing things wrong make us miserable, angry, confused.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The significance of The Stonecutter is that one should always be satisfied of their life no matter which level he or she is in. The Stonecutter wanted to be the merchant, official, sun, and many other things; however, after becoming the stone, he looks down what could be more powerful than the stone and finds out that it was the stonecutter.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
the statement, "From caring comes courage" is significant because it defines having wisdom. According to the story, it is rather significant to those who do not have compassion, do not have wisdom either. Through this quote, people can get more confident and courage in their lives.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One can find Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage through appreciating what he or she has given and who you are.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
To the Taoist, "Great Nothing" actually means something because they think that nothing is something that many consider to be important. Doing "nothing" will eventually give one a very meaningful and important result.
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
An "Empty sort of mind" is valuable because it allows one to find pearls and tails that cannot be seen that easily with complicated thoughts inside one's mind. Because Knowledge and Cleverness can lead one to wrong things, it is better to have an empty mind that one can think of something very easily and without complication.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
This statement tells that in order to obtain the knowledge, one should add things by learning. However, in order to obtain the wisdom, one should forget about oneself (how the story mentioned about forgetting his body and senses and leaving all appearance and information behind) and start from nowhere.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
The child is the highest stage of development because the child have the purest and "clear-minded, all-seeing Child" called wisdom by the Taoists which does not apply to the adults. Because the children are very pure and empty-minded, they can actually experience the concept of "Great Nothing" and gain more wisdom.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
Knowledge and cleverness may destroy life because cleverness of mind only separates the thinker from the world of reality. Also too much and complicated knowledge will make one to think too much and care too little.
Essential Quotes of Taoism:
1. In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
- the 'Mysterious" seems like it is similar to the concept of the man's afterlife either heaven or hell because going to heaven or hell is something that human will never be able to figure out with our knowledge. Also the word "indescribable" can be seen as the figure of God to the Christians who believe in God with their true heart. To Christians, the concept of heaven, hell, and God is something that is "Mysterious" and "indescribable".
2. See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
- Passage 2 includes all of the three religion to explain the suffering, respect, and emptying all together at the same time. The Confucianism can be shown through the statement,"Not honoring men... " which can be defined as the concept of respecting others. Also "Not wanting rare things..." shows the concept of Buddhism, not having desires and attachments. "Not paying attention..." directly refers to Taoism, explaining one should not have complicated mind and get rid of all unnecessary thoughts in one's mind
3. In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
- "Relaxing the mind" refers to Taoism which represents that inner peace and calmness that one should keep in mind. Also "reinforcing the abdomen" could represent having knowledge and intelligence to be satisfied. And "Gentling the will" can represent the concept of Buddhism which is to get rid of the desires and attachments that man usually are aiming for. So overall this quote contains both of Taoism and Buddhism all together which is having relaxing mind, fulfilling one's life with intelligence and not having much of desires in one's life.
4. Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
-Confucius' perspective of government is that the citizens should be the one who lead the government not just some specific leaders so that all the citizens can be respected by each other and admired. But on the other hand, Lao Tzu describes that a government should be kept as how it is by not having strict regulation but as it flows the way it is. However, I would prefere more of Confucius's way of governing because I think it would be more effective with the whole citizens who are intelligent and also able to regulate the government as whole with respect toward one another.
5. Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
In my opinion, Lao Tzu is saying that a person who is more active and passionate about the work that he or she was given and the power one has will be more successful than others who do note think the importance of the concept of having the power and the ability to work what has given for one. I certainly agree with Lao Tzu because as a student, I have realized that one's hard work at school always shows the result of having satisfying grades that one wanted it with the great effort and the compassion that one had during working.
Legalism
1. In Han Fei's state, the supreme governing authority is the law itself. The quote "if conformers to law are strong, the country is strong" and "to govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong". Like the modern government, if the people who make the law are intelligent and they will lead the government strongly.
2. According to Han Fei, the "Two Handles" are chastisement and commendation, which is punishment and praising respectively. The sovereign should never surrender control over the two handles because their absence might cause calamity, where people would turn to the minister with power.
3. Individuality and private initiative play different roles in Han Fei's ideal state. Individuality would allow people to gain more independence and think for themselves. For private initiatives, it is crucial to follow the national law and morals rather than their individuality.
4. "If penalty is severe, the noble cannot discriminate against the humble. If law is definate, the superiors are esteemed and not violated. Of the superior are not violated, the sovereign will become strong and able to maintain the proper course of government." This quote shows why legalism appealed to people but because these laws are very hard to process unless people actually follow the laws
5. " What is the purpose of a good government"
D: Do not need government. People should be independent on what they are doing and government should have similar concept of being independent
C: Good government is necessary. It should be in a perfect system and set a good example.
L: Government with good laws and organized system will make organized society.
"What role does morality play in formulating law?"
D: Taosim is all about compassion and not forcing one to make the laws.
C: All laws are moral and should have reasonable idea.
L: If you did something wrong, you should be punished no matter who you are.
"What are the qualities of a superior ruler?"
D: A superior ruler must not be greedy and accept the nature and go with the flow. Superior should be simple and just follow the flow of the circumstances.
C: One should be smart to be a ruler and also he or she should be reasonable. He or she should be like wind that blows anywhere the wind blows and people should be the grass that follows the wind
L: The leader should be exact with the law and follow all the means of the laws. Also one should control "Two Handles"
The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture
Maxim: short, brisk statement that gives general advice for life
Proverb: statement that gives advice how to live one's life
Sorceress: a female sorcerer (witch)
1. Beat the drum of a sorceress after her dance is over
(소잃고 외양간 고친다) it means that it is too late to do something
2. A sorceress invited to dance out the devil, a monk to chant for the dead
get the right tool for a right job
3. Waiting for mother who has gone to a sorceress' dance
4. Rather watch the sorceress' dance and eat the cakes
rather to be spectators than the subject
5. Although the mother-in-law wants the sorceress to come and dance, she does not like to see
6. It is like a house in which the sorceress's dance is just over
READING 4: KOREAN CHRISTIANITY UNDER JAPANESE OCCUPATION
1910-1945
1. Why did the Korean Christian churches continue to grow despite harassment by the
Japanese colonial government?
The Korean Christians and the Japanese brought conflicts because of Koreans wanted to teach freedom of religion at schools and other communities. Even though there are some conflicts between them, the Christians did not stop spreading their words. They led many independent movements and got involved to it. Because of Christians acts like getting involved with independent movements and other protests, Japanese people wanted to control them with more power and hardships.
2. How did conditions under the Japanese create tension within the Christian community?
Japanese and Korean Christians grew tension between them because during the colonization, Koreans rebelled and made organizations to protest. Especially, Christians were involved in many of the independent movement that made Japanese very upset.
Reading number and Title
Period being addressed
Three major (the power of three, sometimes you get two sometimes four) points drawn from this period
Growth of Christianity in 고려 and 조선
1780-1880
고려: there government was based on Buddhism but they missed used their power
조선: people became Confucianist but after the 18th century, the first catholic church was built in 조선. Catholic valued the equality. At least 8000 people persecuted but it still spread widely
Introduction to Protestantism
1880-1910
Dr. Horace N. Allen was the first protestant missionary to enter Korea as a physicist to the US. The missionary not only functioned as religious institutions but also as schools for learning 한글, medical schools, orphanage, school for blinds and printing press
Korean Christianity under Japanese occupation
1910-1945
03/01/1919: independent movement: 50% of the people who got involved to the movement was Christians
The Japanese forced Koreans to become Shintoist and most of the refused. However, some of them actually became Shintoist and they were hated by the Christians because those Shintoist gave up their religion over the Japanese power.
Korean Christianity
1945- present
Christian organization aided the Koreans during the korean war and after. One of the biggest church it 여의도 Gospel Church. The popularity of Christians grew larger and it help Korea to become democratic
- What do religion and philosophy have in common?
I think that both religion and philosophy let people to believe something strongly and motivated them to live in a certain way that they believe it's right. Also, people with religion and people who believe in certain philosophy strong belief in both of them. Both of them tells how to live one's life and lead in a certain what he or she believes in. Also most of the religions are based on the concept of "god". This applies to philosophy because some of the philosophies that people are familiar to is based on "god" and that is the basic concept of it.
- Why is religion and philosophy is important?
religion and philosophy is important because those determines the way of people's lives and their habits. Also motivate us to think deeply and controls the daily routine of the life. Religion and philosophy provide a moment to think what is important and those remind people to value their beliefs.
Haven't I Seen You Before?
1. How is the experience of karma/samsara different from that of Christianity (in your opinion)? The same?
Karma/samsara is similar to Christianity because there is some kind of relation between both of them that have to do with the after life and how well one performed during his or her life. Karma and samara's basic concept is that one will reborn with good life if he or she did something good during the life on earth. Also Christianity has similar idea which is one going to heaven after their life but only for the ones who done good things before one died. However, there are some differences between them. The belief of karma and samsara is that one will directly reincarnate as animals afterlife. On the other hand, Christianity does not believe that one will reincarnate but will go to heaven where there are no pain and suffer.
2. Speculate on what sort of being the prince might become in his subsequent life?
I think that the prince could become an ant in his subsequent life because he was never exposed to a working class. So as a lesson in the afterlife for the prince, he might become an animal that works hard. Because he already experienced the loyalty and didn't really done his job productively, it is possible to become something that is not loyal but more like an ant.
3. Which of the three animals in the story is closest to Enlightenment in your opinion? Why?
I thought that parrot is the closest to Enlightenment in my opinion. It didn't really show the desire and attachments when other animals were full of desires. Also he rejected to eat the rice that was offered for him to eat which can be interpreted as not having the desire.
4. It is said that Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) had 550 lives - some in animal form, some in human form - which of the characters in the story do you think is from one of his previous lives? Why?
the Holy man in the story is the form of Buddha's previous lives because both of their characters are very related in a way of sharing. Buddha is known as the enlightened one in the religion of Buddhism and the character of the Holy man in the story represents Buddha's characteristics the most out of all the characters that were presented.
Tradition and Religion
1. I think the religion is something whatever one believes in. So there isn't specific aspects and requirements that the religion should have. Religion is something that one strongly believes that is right to follow as you live. To be a religious person, one should have the strong belief in their religion. Also one who keeps the religion and follows the right order of the religion can be a religious person. Because Confucius had strongly believed that respecting one another is the most important aspects in people's lives and kept the idea into his mind through out his life, he can be consider as a religious person.
2. Confucius's statement says that he doesn't really connect man and heaven together. He doubts the existence of heaven and god but he concentrated on the life that presents now. Rather than thinking about the heaven in the Christianity term, he has his own term of heaven. Confucius thinks that the heaven is the present time for him and his life. So he's main consideration is living the life perfectly that was given. The heaven for Christianity and Confucius teaching is very different because what Christianity teaches about the heaven is the after life of a man; however, Confucius teaches that heaven is what is given in the present on Earth.
The Tao of Pooh
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The Vinegar Tasters is a painting that is significant because it represents the "Three Teachings" of China. The three significant figures who represent Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are Confucius, Buddha, and Lao-tse. The painting shows the way each belief sees life, which is represented by the vinegar, and this is shown by the different types of faces that are made by the three men.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
According to Hoff, the theme of life according to Taoism is the happiness that occurs when one lives in harmony with the world. Instead of trying to move away from the "world of dust," one should try to join it by appreciating, learning from, and working with what happens. Hoff said that Taoism believes that this directly leads to happiness.
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
Hoff explains the idea of the uncarved block by first explaining to the readers that the uncarved blocked represents the original simplicity that things naturally have, and how the things that aren't messed around with contain natural energy. For example, Taoism would see the original, pure form of a boulder as having more natural energy than the boulder changed into a slate to carve words onto.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (12)
The secret message of the uncarved block is that being simpleminded is the key to living life and getting past its problems. Hoff says that being simpleminded isn't the same as being stupid, and it is actually being calm and having a mirror like mind. He even adds on that it is significant that the simpleminded Pooh is the main character of Winnie the Pooh, because it reflects the idea that Pooh is able to accomplish the things that he does because of his simplemindedness.
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
The main conflict was that scholars in China were generally Confucianist, and saw things from a different point of view from the Taoists. Lao-tse once said a quote that meant that education could prevent one from seeing all things and being wise, and that being smarter could in a way hinder one's wisdom.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Owl represents a Confucianist and Pooh represents a Taoist.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
- Hoff does not have a positive opinion about Confucianist scholars, and he shows this by the way he describes them. First, he describes Owl as a "dried-up Western descendent of the Confucianist Dedicated Scholar, who unlike his Noble but rather Unimaginative ancestor..." Hoff gives a small preview of how he thinks about Confucianist scholars by first calling them unimaginative, and talks more about it when Pooh is confused. The opinion is expanded on, and Hoff says that the Confucianist Scholars kept what he learned to himself and wrote pompous papers that no one would understand instead of working for the enlightenment of the people who read it.
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
- Hoff says that knowledge and experience are two completely different things, but knowledge that comes from experience is better than just plain knowledge.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
Most scholars blame the "uncarved block" for problems in the world. This isn't justified because the scholars refuse to admit that it is their fault and blame it on the "uncarved block" instead. This is a quality of many people. They try to correct their misconceptions with reasonable justifications, but they do not allow themselves to fully agree to it.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
The difference between "cleverness" and "Inner Nature" is that "cleverness" can be measured, has limitations, and people can understand it, but "Inner nature" cannot be measured nor be clearly understood by people.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
It isn't important to discern your own Inner Nature because you can figure out where and where not you belong. In knowing this, you can easily tell whether things are right or wrong for you.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Hoff's interpretation of the Chinese quote above is the idea that people who acknowledge their problems, admit to their misconceptions, and try to fix them will live longer. However, Hoff believes that people who ignore and neglect their problems, reject the existence of them, and those who fail to correct themselves will die sooner because they failed in looking after themselves. This interpretation is similar to the idea that people who know their limitations will live long and be healthy, whereas those who do not recognize their problems will not.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
By stating that we must learn to "work with Things As They Are", Hoff means that people should recognize the quality of things when they are in their natural form rather than trying to adjust them. Hoff is basically saying that we should appreciate and work with "things that are there" instead of trying to get "things to work with us". Overall, he is saying that it is wiser to recognize things as what they are in the present instead of constantly trying to look for answers to unnecessary questions.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
People who do not listen to their Inner Nature have trouble understanding themselves, are easily influenced by others, and instead of recognizing their own individual identity, they are influenced by other people.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The Way of Self-Reliance is the process of discovering who we are, what we need to do, and what things are right for us. The most important thing is to understand our individual selves and search for things that match us, instead of looking to others.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism by transforming the things we dislike into favorable, beneficial things or use them in a efficient manner/way. In changing the bad to good, many positive items would be created and help us lessen the struggle we have in getting rid of negative ones.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It is the most characteristic element of Taoism-in-action. Wu Wei basically means “without doing, causing, or making” or no going against the nature of things. However, in practical way, it means without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote basically means that Tao doesn’t force or interfere with things, but allows them to do their work in their own way, to produce results naturally. Then whatever that is necessary is done. The quote explains that Tao doesn’t do or put any effort on anything but he gets things done naturally with good results.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi Ch’uan is the basic idea of which is to wear the opponent out either by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away, in order to weaken his power, balance, and position-for-defense. Never is force opposed with force; instead, it is overcome with yielding. What it means to be overcame with yielding is that results will produce naturally without any force from something just like the idea of We Wei or Taoism.
20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
Just like Bisy Backson is active with his exercises all the time, I also do physical activities, because I play various sports which are good exercises. However, sometimes I see those exercises as works, because it requires physical body movement and work that your body have to do.
21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
Bisy Backson thinks that he has to fight and overcome things to progress. The correct definition of progress involves developing and growing which also involves changing inside, but that’s not something the Bisy Backson will do. Bisy Backson believes that he has to change everything and interfering with useless things to make a progress.
22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
Bisy Backson doesn’t spend his time wisely and usefully, because he thinks doing much work beforehand will save him time, but realistically it doesn’t.
23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
Youthful Immortal is one of the most intriguing things about Taoism.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
The way of doing things right and going through beneficial process makes us happy, wise and have enjoyment. However, doing things wrong make us miserable, angry, confused.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The significance of The Stonecutter is that one should always be satisfied of their life no matter which level he or she is in. The Stonecutter wanted to be the merchant, official, sun, and many other things; however, after becoming the stone, he looks down what could be more powerful than the stone and finds out that it was the stonecutter.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
the statement, "From caring comes courage" is significant because it defines having wisdom. According to the story, it is rather significant to those who do not have compassion, do not have wisdom either. Through this quote, people can get more confident and courage in their lives.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One can find Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage through appreciating what he or she has given and who you are.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
To the Taoist, "Great Nothing" actually means something because they think that nothing is something that many consider to be important. Doing "nothing" will eventually give one a very meaningful and important result.
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
An "Empty sort of mind" is valuable because it allows one to find pearls and tails that cannot be seen that easily with complicated thoughts inside one's mind. Because Knowledge and Cleverness can lead one to wrong things, it is better to have an empty mind that one can think of something very easily and without complication.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
This statement tells that in order to obtain the knowledge, one should add things by learning. However, in order to obtain the wisdom, one should forget about oneself (how the story mentioned about forgetting his body and senses and leaving all appearance and information behind) and start from nowhere.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
The child is the highest stage of development because the child have the purest and "clear-minded, all-seeing Child" called wisdom by the Taoists which does not apply to the adults. Because the children are very pure and empty-minded, they can actually experience the concept of "Great Nothing" and gain more wisdom.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
Knowledge and cleverness may destroy life because cleverness of mind only separates the thinker from the world of reality. Also too much and complicated knowledge will make one to think too much and care too little.
Essential Quotes of Taoism:
1. In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?- the 'Mysterious" seems like it is similar to the concept of the man's afterlife either heaven or hell because going to heaven or hell is something that human will never be able to figure out with our knowledge. Also the word "indescribable" can be seen as the figure of God to the Christians who believe in God with their true heart. To Christians, the concept of heaven, hell, and God is something that is "Mysterious" and "indescribable".
2. See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
- Passage 2 includes all of the three religion to explain the suffering, respect, and emptying all together at the same time. The Confucianism can be shown through the statement,"Not honoring men... " which can be defined as the concept of respecting others. Also "Not wanting rare things..." shows the concept of Buddhism, not having desires and attachments. "Not paying attention..." directly refers to Taoism, explaining one should not have complicated mind and get rid of all unnecessary thoughts in one's mind
3. In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
- "Relaxing the mind" refers to Taoism which represents that inner peace and calmness that one should keep in mind. Also "reinforcing the abdomen" could represent having knowledge and intelligence to be satisfied. And "Gentling the will" can represent the concept of Buddhism which is to get rid of the desires and attachments that man usually are aiming for. So overall this quote contains both of Taoism and Buddhism all together which is having relaxing mind, fulfilling one's life with intelligence and not having much of desires in one's life.
4. Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
-Confucius' perspective of government is that the citizens should be the one who lead the government not just some specific leaders so that all the citizens can be respected by each other and admired. But on the other hand, Lao Tzu describes that a government should be kept as how it is by not having strict regulation but as it flows the way it is. However, I would prefere more of Confucius's way of governing because I think it would be more effective with the whole citizens who are intelligent and also able to regulate the government as whole with respect toward one another.
5. Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
In my opinion, Lao Tzu is saying that a person who is more active and passionate about the work that he or she was given and the power one has will be more successful than others who do note think the importance of the concept of having the power and the ability to work what has given for one. I certainly agree with Lao Tzu because as a student, I have realized that one's hard work at school always shows the result of having satisfying grades that one wanted it with the great effort and the compassion that one had during working.
Legalism
1. In Han Fei's state, the supreme governing authority is the law itself. The quote "if conformers to law are strong, the country is strong" and "to govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong". Like the modern government, if the people who make the law are intelligent and they will lead the government strongly.
2. According to Han Fei, the "Two Handles" are chastisement and commendation, which is punishment and praising respectively. The sovereign should never surrender control over the two handles because their absence might cause calamity, where people would turn to the minister with power.
3. Individuality and private initiative play different roles in Han Fei's ideal state. Individuality would allow people to gain more independence and think for themselves. For private initiatives, it is crucial to follow the national law and morals rather than their individuality.
4. "If penalty is severe, the noble cannot discriminate against the humble. If law is definate, the superiors are esteemed and not violated. Of the superior are not violated, the sovereign will become strong and able to maintain the proper course of government." This quote shows why legalism appealed to people but because these laws are very hard to process unless people actually follow the laws
5. " What is the purpose of a good government"
D: Do not need government. People should be independent on what they are doing and government should have similar concept of being independent
C: Good government is necessary. It should be in a perfect system and set a good example.
L: Government with good laws and organized system will make organized society.
"What role does morality play in formulating law?"
D: Taosim is all about compassion and not forcing one to make the laws.
C: All laws are moral and should have reasonable idea.
L: If you did something wrong, you should be punished no matter who you are.
"What are the qualities of a superior ruler?"
D: A superior ruler must not be greedy and accept the nature and go with the flow. Superior should be simple and just follow the flow of the circumstances.
C: One should be smart to be a ruler and also he or she should be reasonable. He or she should be like wind that blows anywhere the wind blows and people should be the grass that follows the wind
L: The leader should be exact with the law and follow all the means of the laws. Also one should control "Two Handles"
The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture
Maxim: short, brisk statement that gives general advice for life
Proverb: statement that gives advice how to live one's life
Sorceress: a female sorcerer (witch)
1. Beat the drum of a sorceress after her dance is over
(소잃고 외양간 고친다) it means that it is too late to do something
2. A sorceress invited to dance out the devil, a monk to chant for the dead
get the right tool for a right job
3. Waiting for mother who has gone to a sorceress' dance
4. Rather watch the sorceress' dance and eat the cakes
rather to be spectators than the subject
5. Although the mother-in-law wants the sorceress to come and dance, she does not like to see
6. It is like a house in which the sorceress's dance is just over
READING 4: KOREAN CHRISTIANITY UNDER JAPANESE OCCUPATION
1910-1945
1. Why did the Korean Christian churches continue to grow despite harassment by theJapanese colonial government?
The Korean Christians and the Japanese brought conflicts because of Koreans wanted to teach freedom of religion at schools and other communities. Even though there are some conflicts between them, the Christians did not stop spreading their words. They led many independent movements and got involved to it. Because of Christians acts like getting involved with independent movements and other protests, Japanese people wanted to control them with more power and hardships.
2. How did conditions under the Japanese create tension within the Christian community?
Japanese and Korean Christians grew tension between them because during the colonization, Koreans rebelled and made organizations to protest. Especially, Christians were involved in many of the independent movement that made Japanese very upset.
조선: people became Confucianist but after the 18th century, the first catholic church was built in 조선. Catholic valued the equality. At least 8000 people persecuted but it still spread widely
The Japanese forced Koreans to become Shintoist and most of the refused. However, some of them actually became Shintoist and they were hated by the Christians because those Shintoist gave up their religion over the Japanese power.